We are yet again experiencing another extremely mild winter. Most people would agree with me that we can really do with a proper frozen season to clear up those horrid winter bugs. There have been so many unwelcome sickness, cold and flu viruses spreading throughout schools, villages and communities. Unfortunately our daughter is one of the claimed victims. She caught some sort of lurgy at school lately. In fairness, about 80% of pupils in the same school were down with either one thing or another. Our daughter suffered with slight temperature and then followed by the dreaded cough. With the homemade apothecary hat on, many herbal remedies had been applied to help her to get rid of the irritating cough.

Plenty of fluids – herbal teas

It is vitally important to have plenty to drink when having a cold. A warm drink particularly benefits to soothe the throat. It is well known that honey is an effective remedy for cough. A couple of teaspoons of honey in a cup of warm water or herbal tea with a slice of lemon is a much more agreeable alternative than the over-the-counter medicines if it is just a minor cold.

Herbal teas could be more desirable options than simply plain water to keep our body hydrated. Most herbal teas not only taste delicious but also are packed with goodness to help us to fight the cold.

• Ginger tea – ginger is wildly used to boost the immune system to prevent against all sorts of ailments. The warming nature of the ginger tea helps to open up the congestive nasal passages and the anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe the scratchy throat. Either dry or fresh ginger can be used. On the stove bring 2 cups of water to boil in a sauce pan. Cut a piece of 3cm ginger into slices and place them in the rapid boiled water. Let the water to bubble for a minute or two and then simmer for another 5 minutes. Add sugar if you prefer and dilute it if too spicy.
• Thyme tea – there are several variety of thyme. All of them are known to be effective against bacteria. Use 2 sprig of fresh thyme or 1 tbsp of dried thyme in a cup of hot water. Steep 5-10 minutes before straining and drinking. A pinch of cinnamon or honey can enhance the flavour.
• Licorice root tea – licorice helps to reduce the mucus and boost the qi, which is the fundamental body life energy according to the traditional Chinese medicine philosophy. Licorice can be easily purchased online nowadays. Steep 1-2 pieces of dry licorice with boiled water for 8-10 minutes and drain out the root pieces. A spoon of honey can be added to enhance the flavour. Licorice, however, has some side effects, such as raising blood pressure. Hence, it should be used with care and not daily.

DIY inhaler and warm bath

The most common annoying symptoms of having a cold are the blocked nose and the lingering phlegm on the throat. Not being able to breath properly with her nose, my daughter decided to use her month instead. The combination of the cold air straight through to the throat and the built-up thick mucus resulted to even more and worse coughs. I find a drop of eucalyptus and peppermint essential oil each in a large bowl with hot water as an inhaler works as a magic. The warm steam helps to relax and soothe the nasal passages. The stimulating and antiviral properties of both essential oils are effective natural treatments not only to help to ease the congestion and reduce mucus but also restrain the virus to spread.

Warm bath before bed definitely helps to improve blood circulation and open up airways. A few drops of eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils in the bath benefit to relieve the congestion. Thyme essential oil is another great alternative to combat the cough infection due to its powerful disinfectant and antibacterial natures.

Eucalyptus & peppermint salve

A very true and useful old wives’ tale is to massage the eucalyptus & peppermint balm on the chest and back in order to allow the warmth released from the salve to help to clear phlegm and decongest the airways. It is most beneficial to do this right before bedtime. I also find rubbing the salve on the feet for a few minutes and going to bed with socks on, leaving the warming nature of both oils working its magic throughout the night, help the circulation and decongestion.

My homemade eucalyptus & peppermint salve receipt

• 20ml home infused peppermint oil
• 30ml coconut butter
• 7g emulsifying wax NF
• 3-5 drops eucalyptus essential oil depend on personal preference
• 2 drops of vitamin E as natural preservative
• a 60ml sterilised jar

Use double boiler method to melt down the wax. Then add coconut butter and stir gently until both ingredients blend well. Then add peppermint infused oil in and again stir gently until mixed completely. Add eucalyptus essential oil and vitamin E and stir well. Remove from heat and pour the mixture into the prepared jar.

Luckily with a couple of days good rest at home and Mummy’s TLC home remedies, our little darling was back on her feet within no time. Home remedies are excellent compliments for mainstream medicines. If you are pregnant or have certain health concerns, always ask doctors advise first.